Anyone who has ever bought or built a home knows the importance of choosing
materials that not only look great but that also work with the climate and other
conditions of the location. After all, you wouldn't live in a tent in the
freezing Antarctic any more than you would an igloo in the sweltering desert.
The same holds true with foundations. The proper type depends on where you live.
Different regions of the country have different types of soil:
- Sandy soil does not absorb water. It is known for being a stable soil, but
is also uncommon.
- Loamy soils are also stable and do not typically respond to changes in
moisture. However, they are prone to erosion problems.
- Soil with a higher clay content, also known as expansive soil, can absorb
water more easily than other types of soil, causing it to expand and contract.
Several areas throughout the country, such as Colorado, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Montana, and Texas, have
expansive soil.
Building A Home
Because different types of soil require different types of foundations, it is
important to know the type of soil you are working with if you are building a
home.
Are you looking to live in an a desirable north Texas community like
Southlake, Frisco, Las Colinas, Carrolton, Cedar Hill, or Grand Prairie? What
these areas have in common, other than being among the most in-demand places to
live in DFW, is expansive soil.
Special techniques like pier and beam and soil injections can be used to
treat soil and build strong foundations to offset the shrink-swell properties of
the soil. A qualified professional skilled in soil engineering will know the
best methods for working with your type of soil.
Resale Homes
If you are buying a resale home, start with the soil maps on the
United States
Department of Agriculture website to figure out the type of soil under your
home. You will definitely also want to pay extra consideration to your home
inspection in case there are any telltale signs of foundation issues, like
cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings.
Unfortunately, it may not be possible to determine if the soil was treated
properly and the best foundation built for a resale home until you have already
discovered cracks. Since you may never know how the existing home was engineered
and built, the safest bet may be to have your new home built, so you know that
it was done correctly.
After Purchase
Just as important as working with a qualified company to construct the right
type of foundation for your home is knowing how to properly treat it once it is
built. The combination of Texas soil and weather conditions means the proper
irrigation and drainage design is critical. Your slab needs to stay moist
without water accumulation. Drip irrigation is an often-recommended tool, but
other
tips
for ongoing care will help keep your foundation sound.
Written by Realty
Times Staff
Thinking
about Buying or
Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today!
877-651-7810
Or visit our website:
www.LivingLakeTahoe.com
No comments:
Post a Comment